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A SHORT HISTORY 



—OF— 

FRANKLIN COUNTY, 

K E IT T U C K "TT , 

PREPARED 

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SUGGESTION OF THE RESOLUTION OF COXGKFSS 
IN REGARD TO THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENNIAL ANNI- 
VERSARY, AND READ AT A SUNDAY-SCHOOL PICNIC 
AT LAKE PARK, NEAR FRANKFORT, 
KENTUCKY, ON THE 

FOURTH OF JUI.Y, 1876, 

BY C. E. JAMES. 




FRANKFORT, KY.: 
PRINTED AT THE ROUNDABOUT OFFICE, 
GEORGE A. LEWIS, 
i88i 




G^A SHORT HISTORY^^D 



OF 



•^FRSl 



I COUNTY, IKY.^ 



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GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. 

Franklin county was formed by the Legislature of Kentucky in 1794, out of parts of Wood- 
ford, Mercer, and Shelby counties, and named in honor of the distinguished patriot and 
statesman, Benjamin Franklin. 

Portions of it were taken to form the counties of Gallatin in 1798, Owen in 1819, and 
Anderson in 1827, leaving it, at present (1876), a territory of about 200 square miles, 
Ijounded by Henry and Owen on the north, by Scott on the east, by Woodford on the 
southeast, by Anderson on the south, and Shelby on the west. 

The Kentucky river runs through the county trom south to north, dividing it into nearly 
ecjual jiarts. The bed of the river is from two to three hundred feet below the general 
surface of the county, and the bluffs rise like walls in some places., Tiie liver bottoms 
usually contain al)out 500 acres of rich land, and, being walled in by high bluffs, form 
most beautiful sites for farms. 

The other streams in the county are Glen's, North, Siuth, and Main Elkhorn creeks on 
the east side of the river, and Big and Little Benson, and Flat creeks on the west side. 

The face of the country is gently undulating on the sides next to Scott and Woodford, 
more rolling next to Anderson and Shelby, while that adjoining Henry and Owen is hilly. 

The whole county was heavily timbered with oak, poplar, sugar-tree, walnut, &c. 

The soil generally is a clay loam, mixed with small particles of bog iron ore, and is un- 
derlaid with thinly stratified blue limestone. 

Franklin county is 38° 12' north latitude, and 7° 52' longitude west of Washington. 

The mean annual temperature of Kentucky is about fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit, and for 
fifteen years, between 1856 and 1871, but a single one (1871) has varied so much as one 
degree from the mean. In Franklin county the thermometer generally rises to about 90° 
in the warmest weather, and falls to zero in the coldest. 

The average rain fall in Franklin county is about forty inches in the year. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT 

The earliest white settlement effected in what is now Franklin county was made by 
Hancock Lee in I775> '^^ the east bank of the Kentucky river, one mile below Frankfort, 
although Kobt. McAfee and party surveyed and entered 600 acres of land in the bottom 
where Frankfort stands, in the summer of 1773. 

Surveys were made in and around Frankfort for Wm. Haydon in 1783, Geo. Mason and 
Edmond Lyne in 1784, Humphrey Marshall in 1785, and Geo. Campbell in 1789, 

Leestown was established by the Virginia Legislature in the year 1776. 



2 A SHORT HISTORY OF 

Frankfort was established by the same authority in the year 1786, about which time 
a small settlement was commenced on the South Fork of Elkhorn creek, three and one 
halt miles from Frankfort. 

In 1791 Col. Harry Innis, Lewis Mastin, Jesse and Hosea Cook, Wm. Dunn, and Wm. 
Bledsoe, with their families, formed a settlement on Main Elkhorn creek, three miles be- 
low the Forks, and four and one half miles east of Frankfort. The settlements in Frank- 
lin county had heretofore been fortunately spared from Indian hostilities. The last 
mentioned settlement was suddenly surprised on the 28th of April, 1792, by about one 
hundred Indians. The first intimation of danger was the sharp crack of rifles, at which 
Jesse Cook, Lewis Mastin, and Hosea Cook fell. Two sons of Wm. Dunn and a negro 
belonging to Colonel Innis were killed before they could reach the shelter of their cabins, 
and two negroes were led away captives. A desperate resistance was made by those re- 
maining, in which the women showed as much courage as men, and after a few hours the 
the Indians, becoming uneasy lest they should be attacked by whites from the neighboring 
settlements, suddenly commenced a retreat, toward the Ohio river. They were pursued by a 
company of whites from Frankfort and the Forks settlement, but the main body of them 
crossed the Ohio in safety, while a small party' who had lingered behind were overtaken 
and fired upon and one killed. 

STATE CAPITAL. 

The district of Kentucky was admitted as a State into the Union on the 1st of June, 
1792, and on the 4th of the same month the Kentucky Legislature began its first session 
at Lexington. 

At this session five commissioners, Robert Todd, of Fayette, Thomas Kennedy, of 
Madison, Henry Lee, of Mason, and John Allen and John Edwards, of Bourbon counties, 
were appointed to select a suitable place for the site of the government of Kentucky. 
During the ensuing summer and fall the commissioners visited the several points that had 
made proposals, viz: Legerwood's Bend, Delaney's Ferry, Petersburg, Louisville, Lexington, 
Frankfort, and Leestown. After canvassing them thoroughly, the commissioners met in 
Lexington on December 5, 1792, and decided "that Frankfort was the most proper place 
for the seat of government." 

The citizens of Frankfort and Franklin county gave the State $3,000 in gold, the ground, 
and the first State House, besides a number of town lots in Frankfort. 

The first Legislature held its second session in Lexington, and on the 22d of December, 
1792, after sitting forty-eight days, adjourned "to hold its next session in the house of 
Andrew Holmes, at Frankfort, on the Kentucky river." 

This house, a large two-story frame building, was situated in the western end of North 
Frankfort in the beiid of the river, and was the same in which Aaron Burr planned some 
of the details of his conspiracy. The second Legislature held its first session in this house 
in November, i793- The house stood until 1S70, when it was torn down, and the spot is 
now occupied by the residence of Mr. James G. Dudley. 

The first State House was occupied by the second Legislature at its second session on 
November 3, 1794, and was described as a large sightly building, 86 by 84 feet, three 
stories high, built of rough marble, and w^ith a cupola rising from the center of a square 
roof. The public officers were on the first floor; the Hall of Representatives on the second; 
and the Senate Chamber on the third. It was destroyed by fire November 25, 1813. 

The second State House, which, like the first, occupied the same site as the present, was 
erected in 1814; was built of brick, two stories high, with four marble columns in front, 
and a tall cupola. The State offices were detached, and were in brick buildings on either 
side of the State House. The main building was destroyed by fire in 1S24; the offices on 
the east side in 1S65; while the building on the west side is still standing. 

The third atid present State House was first occupied by both Houses of the Legislature 
on December 7, 1829. Although the former Capitol was burned on the 4.th of November, 
1S24, it was not until January 12, 1827, that a bill was approved, providing for its rebuild- 
ing, and appointing John Brown, Peter Dudley, John Harvie, and James Shannon, Com- 
missioners to superintend its erection. Twenty thousand dollars were appropriated then; 
twenty thousand on February 12, 1828; twenty thousand on January 29, 1829; twelve 
thousand on January 29, 1830; nine thousand five hundred on January 15, 1S31; and two 
thousand two hundred in December, 183 1 — making the entire cost about eighty-five thou- 
sand doUars. It is built entirely of white polished Kentucky marble, with a portico in 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY, 3 

front, supported liy six Ionic columns. The stairway under the vault of the dome is a 
skillful piece of workmanship, and has been much admired. 

The Senate and House of Representative Halls are in the second story, the former orna- 
mented with full length portraits of Wm. Henry Harrison, Henry Clay, and Isaac Shelby. 
In the latter are life-size portraits of Washington, Lafayette, and Boone. The rooms in 
the lower story are appropriated to the u^e of the Stale Library, Land OfTice, and Court 
of Appeals. The Court of Appeals room is adorned with the portraits of Judges Mills, 
Robertson, and Underwood. 

The east wing of the proposed New Slate House was completed in 1872, at a cost of 
$155,000. The building is intended to be strictly fire-proof and is furnished and ornamen- 
ted in the most elegant modern style . If the contemplated plan is carried out, it will, when 
completed, present a grand and magnificent appearance, equal to any State Capitol in the 
Union. 

In 1799, on the I7lh of August, the second constitutional convention met in Frankfort 
and adopted the second Constitution of Kentucky, Alex. S. Bullitt being chairman. 

The population of Franklin county in iSoo was 5,078, and that of Frankfort 628, while 
Lexington, had 1,795, Washington, Mason county, had 570, Paris 377, and Louisville 350. 

The first water-works in Kentucky were established at Frankfort in 1S04 by Richard 
Throckmorton, who laid wooden pipes from Cedar Cove Spring into town. 

AARON BURR'S CONSPIRACY. 

In the latter part of 1806 "The Western World," a newspaper then published in Frank- 
fort, by Messrs. Wood & Street, came out with a series of articles exposing a scheme 
planned and headed by Aaron Burr, and implicating Judge Sabastian, Gen. Wilkerson, 
and others. The ground work of his plan undoubtedly was to organize a military force 
upon the Western rivers, descend the Mississippi, and wrest from Spain a large portion of 
her territory adjoining the Gulf of Mexico. The Southwestern part of the United States, 
embracing New Orleans and the adjacent territory, was either by force or persuasion to 
become a part of the new Empire, of which New Orleans was to be the Capital and Burr 
the Chief. These were the essential and indispensable features of the plan; but if circum- 
stances were favorable the project was to extend much farther, and the whole country west 
of the Alleghenies was to be wrested from the American Union and to become a part of 
this new and magnificent Empire. 

Col. Joe Hamilton Daviess, then United States Attorney for this district, appeared be- 
fore Judge Innis on the 3d of November, 1806, and moved for process to compel the 
attendance of Burr before the court to answer a charge of a high misdemeanor, in organiz- 
ing a military expedition against a friendly power from within the territory and jurisdiction 
of the United States. 

This created a great sensation, and Burr, who was then at Lexington, immediately en- 
gaged Henry Clay and Col. Allen and came to Frankfort. The trial and acquittal of 
Aaron Burr is one of the most notable events that ever happend in Franklin county. 

Col. Daviess was then the full equal of Mr. Clay in every respect, and history furnishes 
no mate for Burr in daring, self-possession, and the art of cool and calculating impudence. 

Col. Burr entered the courtroom shortly after Judge Innis had overruled Col. Daviess' 
motion, and addressed the court in a calm and dignified manner. He spoke of the mo- 
tion as one which had greatly surprised him, and said thatjthe court|had treated the appli- 
cation as it deserved; but, as it might be renewed by the attorney in his absence, he prefer- 
red that the court should entertain the motion tioiv. Col. Daviess declared himself ready 
to proceed as soon as he could procure the attendance of his witnesses. The ensuing 
Wednesday was fixed on as the day of trial. On Wednesday the most important witness 
was absent, and Judge Innis dismissed the grand jury. Col. Burr arose in court and ex- 
pressed his regret that the grand jury had been discharged, and desired that the attorney 
might have another opportunity to prove his charge. On November 25, 1806, Col. Daviess 
informed the court that the witness would attend on the 2d of November following. Ac- 
cordingly on the day of trial Burr entered the court-room attended by his counsel, but Da- 
viess, with evident chagrin, again asked a postponement of the case for a few days, and 
that the grand jury should be kept empanneled until he could compel the attendance of 
another witness by attachment. Whereupon a most animated and impassioned debate 
sprung up, intermingled with sharp and flashing personalities between Clay and Daveis . 



4 A SHORT HISTORY OF 

Never did two more illustrious orators encounter each other in debate. The great mass 
which crowded to suffocation the floor, galleries, windows, and the platform of the court- 
room remained still and breathless for hours; while the renowned and immortal champions, 
stimulated by mutual rivalry, and each glowing with the ardent conviction of right, en- 
countered each other in splendid intellectual combat. Clay had the sympathies of the au- 
dience on his side, and was the leader of the popular party in Kentucky. Daveiss was a 
Federalist, and was regarded as prosecuting aa innocent and unfortunate man from 
motives of political hate. But he was buoyed up by the full conviction of Burr's guilt, 
and the delusion of the people on the subject. The very infatuation which he beheld 
around him, and the smiling security of the traitor who sat before him, stirred his great 
spirit to one of its most brilliant efforts. 

The grand jury examined the witnesses then present and returned "not a true bill," also 
a written declaration that they completely exonerated Burr. Before Henry Clay took any 
active part as the counsel of Burr he required of him an explicit avowal upon his honor 
that he was engaged in no designed contrary to the laws and peace of the county. 

Col. Burr's acquittal was celebrated in Frankfort,by a brilliant ball, which was followed 
by another given by the friends of Col. Daviess. 

At-the very moment of Burr's appearance in court, an armed force in his service occupied 
Blannerhassett's Island and boats, laden with provisions and military stores, were com- 
mencing their voyage down the Ohio river. 

Scaicely was the grand jury disclrorged, and the ball which celebrated his acquittal con- 
cluded, when President Jefferson's proclamation reached Kentucky. A law was passed in 
hot haste, for seizing the boats, which had escaped the militia of Ohio, and were descend- 
ing the river. Col. Burr had just left for Nashville, Tennessee. 

FRANKFORT IN 1810. 

Zadock Cramer, in his "Navigator," published in Pittsburg, Pa., in 181 1, described 
Frankfort as it was in 1810, viz: "Containing about 140 houses, three printing offices, one 
book-store, a circulating library and book bindery, 18 mercantile stores, a State bank estab- 
lished in 1806. The State Legislature meets here annually, and sits during the winter 
months. The town is improving fast in buildings, manufactories, &c." 

On the 15th August, 1812, a company of volunteers for the war of 1812, with Pascal 
Hickman captain, Peter Dudley lieutenant, G. Voohies ensign, Alex. A. Rennick first ser- 
geant, Ben Head second sergeant, Geo. Nicholson third sergeant, John Nailor fourth ser- 
geant, David Gwin, Wm. Thompson, Richard Chessu, and Thos. Johnson corporals, 
rendezvoued at Georgetown, Ky. Sergeant Rennick's discharge is dated Urbana, Ohio. 
February 21, 1813. 

For many years previous to 1820, a floating bridge, constructed from coal-boats, had 
been used between North and South Frankfort, andwas situated at the foot of Ann street; 
but this was superseded by a trestle bridge at the foot of St Clair street in 1820. This 
trestle bridge lasted until 1844, when it was replaced by an other trestle bridge, which 
stood only a short time, when it fell, killing one man and two horses. The present 
wooden chain covered bridge was completed in 1846. 

A line of stages in April, 1824, was established from Maysville through Lexington and 
Frankfort to Louisville — trip two days, and to Washington City six days. 

SLMON KENTON. 

When it became known in the winter of 1824 that Simon Kenton was in town, the peo- 
ple of Frankfort speedily assembled to see the celebrated warrior and hunter. He was 
then 70 years of age, and had traveled on horseback all the way| from Urbana, Ohio, to 
Frankfort for the purpose of asking the Legislature of Kentucky to release to him his 
lands in Kentucky which had been sold for taxes. His old tattered clothes were replaced 
by good ones, and he was taken to the Capitol and placed in the Speaker's chair, 
and introduced to a crowded assembly of legislators, judges, officers of the government, 
and citizens generally as "the second great adventurer of the West." This the simple- 
hearted old' man was wont to call the "proudest day of his life." His lands were at once 
released, and a pension of $240 a year granted to him. 

Colonel Solomon P. Sharp, a distinguished lawyer and citizen of Frankfort, was assassin - 
ated at his residence by J. O. Beauchamp, on the night of the 6th of November, 1825. 
The affair created great excitement, and the Legislature, of which Col. Sharp was then a 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY. 5 

member, offered a reward of $3,000 for the apprehension of Beaucliamp. Beacuhamp's trial, 
wliich resulted in his conviction, was largely attended. An hour before he was hanged he 
stabbed his wife, who had been his companion in prison, and then attempted to kill him- 
self with the same knife, but failed. He was taken to the forks of the Georgetown and 
Glen's creek roads, on the hill by the cemetery, and hanged in the presence of a very large 
crowd. 

Gen. Lafayette visited Frankfort on May 14, 1825. He was met by seven military com- 
panies and a calvalcade of citizens. A grand dinner and public ball were given in his 
honor. 

F(jr several years previous to this time there had been a great financial depression in the 
country, out of which grew the old and new court controversy. The Legislature passed a law 
staying the collection of debts, which law was declared to be unconstitutional by the 
Court of Appeals. Whereupon the Legislature passed an act abolishing the court, and 
establishing a new Court of Appeals. Thus, for a year or two, we had two courts sitting 
at Frankfort at the same time, and each claiming to be the Court of Appeals of Kentucky. 
The old court fmallv prevailed. 

The first lailroad in the West, and the second in the United States, was that from Lex- 
ington to Frankfort; begun on October 21, 1831, and finished through to Frankfort in. 
December, 1835, It was at first operated by horse power; then, in 1835, a locomotive was 
imported from England, and brought up the Kentucky river to Frankfort, where it was 
]^laced on the track. The Asiatic cholera visited Franklin county in the year 1833, and 54 
persons died in Frankfort of that dreadful disease. 

The Frankfort Commonwealth newspaper and the Stedinan Paper Mill, on Elkhorn 
creek, were established in 1833. 

The locks and dams on the Kentucky river, the first in the United States, were built in 
1834, and since then steamboats have l^een running regularly up to Frankfort and above, 
during almost every month in the year The State Arsenal and Bank of Kentucky were 
established in Frankfort in 1834; also an agricultural paper, the first in the State, with 
Thos. J. Stevenson, editor and Wm. Duane Pettit, publisher. 

The first Short-horn Durham cattle in Franklin county were owned by Hon. James 
ILaggin. At Haggin's sale, in 1834, Col. Robert W. Scott purchased five head. The 
Franklin County Agricultural Society was organized in 1835, ^^'''^ Robt. W. Scott, Presi- 
dent; John C. Herndon, Secretary, and held fairs in i836-'7-'8, &c., at which premiums 
were awarded for stock, crops, agricultural implements, &c., and public addresses were 
made. 

In 1836 Col. Robert W. Scott commenced a new breed of sheep, and for over twenty 
years he kept on his farm, in l"'ranklin county, one hundred choice ewes, and bred to the 
finest bucks of the Bakewell, Saxony, Southdown, Cotswold, Leicester, and Oxfordshire 
breeds. They are a successful combination of the hardiness and prolific qualities of the 
native sheep, the size and thrift of the Bakewell and Cotswold, and the symmetry of form 
and delicacy of mutton of the Southdown; while the fleeces combine the weight and 
length of the Cotswold with the fineness and thickness of the Saxony. 

The first State Agricultural Society was formed at Frankfort in 1838. 

The Kentucky Yeoman newspaper was established at Frankfort in 1S40. 

Franklin county was divided into thirteen common school districts in 1842, and seven 
schools were put into operation that year. 

On the first of July, 1843, there was a grand military encampment in Franklin county, 
styled Camp Madison. Ilumphrey Marshall was in command, and Chief Justice George 
Robertson delivered an oration on the settlement of Kentucky. There were ten thousand 
people present. 

REMAINS OF DANIEL BOONE. 

At its session of i844-'45, the Legislature of Kentucky adopted measures to have the 
mortal remains of the celebrated pioneer, Daniel Boone, and those of his wife, removed 
from their place of burial on the banks of the Missouri river, for the purpose of interment in 
the cemetery at Frankfort. The consent of the surviving relations of the deceased having 
been obtained, a commission was appointed, under whose superintendence the removal was 
affected. The 13th of September, 1845,- ^'''^s fixed upon as the time when the ashes of the 
venerable dead would be committed with fitting ceremonies to the place of their final re- 
pose. It was a day which will be long remembered in the history of Franklin county. 



•D A SHORT HtSTORV OF 

The deep feeling excited by the occasion was evinced by the asseml^lini; cif an immense 
concourse of citizens from all parts of the State ; and the ceremonies were most imposing 
and impressive. A procession, extending more than a mile in length, accompanied the re- 
mains to the grave, where were gathered a vast multitude. The hearse, decorated with 
flowers and evergreens, was drawn by four white horses, and was accompanied by the fol- 
lowing distinguished pioneers as pallbearers, viz: Col. Rjchard M. Johnson, of Scott; 
Gen. James Taylor, of Campbell; Capt. James Ward, of Mason; Gen. Robt. B. McAfee 
and Peter Jordan, of Mercer; Waller Bullock, Esq.. of Fayette; Capt. Thomas Joyes, of 
Louisville; Mr. Landon Sneed, of Franklin; Col. John Johnson, of the State of Ohio; 
Maj. E. E. Williams, of Kenton, and Col. Wm. Boone, of Shelby. The procession was 
accompanied by a number of military companies, and by the members of the Masonic 
fraternity, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in rich regalia. The funeral ser- 
vices were performed in a beautiful hollow near the grave. -The hymn was given out by 
the Rev. Mr. Godell, of the Baptist Church ; prayer by Bishop 8oule, of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church ; oration by the Hon. John J. Crittenden; closing piayer by tlie Rev. J. J. 
Bullock, of the Presbyterian Church, and benediction by the Rev. P. S. Fall, of the 
Christian Church. The cofhns were then lowered into the graves. The spot where the 
graves are situated is as beautiful as nature and art could make it, being on the brink of a 
river bluff, and commanding a magnificent view. A monument of Kentucky marble, four 
feet square and twelve feet high, marks the spot. 

KENTUCKY MILITARY INSTITUTE. 

In 1846 the "Franklin Springs,'' situated about six miles south of Frankfort, were 
opened to the public. Extensive buildings and all necessary arrangements were made by 
a company of citizens of Frankfort and Franklin county to make this excellent watering- 
place equal to any in the State. They were known as "Scanlan's Spring," and had been 
resorted to by many for a number of years. The waters possess most excellent medical 
properties. "Franklin Springs" were opened for only one season, when the property was 
purchased by Col. R. T. P. Allen, for the purpose of establishing a military academy. 
The Kentucky Legislature, in 1846, incorporated the Kentucky Military Institute, and 
placed it under the control of a board of visitors appointed by the Governor of the State, 
who is, ex-qfficio, inspector of the Institute. The Superintendent, faculty, and cadets are 
constituted a </«<r.f/ military corps. The officers, commissioned under the seal of the Com- 
monwealth, are responsible to the board of visitors for the faithful performance of pre- 
scribed duties. The principal buildings erected by the Springs company were destroyed 
by fire, and Col. Allen replaced them with handsome edifices. The main building is fash- 
ioned after the State Capitol at Frankfort, and, together with the others, cost more than 
$100,000, The school has been carried on every year since its founding (except from 1S61 
to 1865, when the war interfered), during which time it was attended annually by from one 
hundred to two hundred students from all parts of the United States, but principally from 
the Southern States. Col. Robt. D. Allen, son of the former superintendent, is now the 
Superintendent, and the school is in a flourishing condition. 

Two companies of volunteers were formed in Franklin county, and went to the Mexican 
war in 1846. One, Co. C, of the First Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Captain B. C. 
Milam, with Jos. H. D. McKee, First Lieutenant, R. D. Harlan, Second Lieutenant, and 
G. R. Davidson, Third Lieutenant. The other company belonged to the Second Kentucky 
Infantry, and was commanded by Captain Frank Chambers, with James Monroe, First 
Lieutenant, Wm. Robinson, Second Lieutenant, and Henry Long, Third Lieutenant. 
The two companies left Louisville, where they rendezvoused in July, 1846, and many of 
them fell at the battle of Buena Vista. 

On the 20th of July, 1847, ^^^^ remains of the Kentucky soldiers who fell in the Mexican 
war were interred in the cemetery at Frankfort. Eleven volunteer military companies, 
besides several hundred of the returned soldiers of the Mexican war. and twenty thousand 
people, took part in the impressive ceremonies. Col. Theodore O'liara composed his 
" Bivouac of the Dead" for this occasion, and read it as part of the ceremonies. In 1848 
the remains of the brave Kentuckian, who were victims of the horrible River Raisin mas- 
sacre were interred there with like ceremonies. 

A line of telegraph from Maysville to Nashville, Tennessee, by way of Lexington, 
Frankfort, Louisville, Bardstown, and Bowling Green was erected in 1847. On February 
13, 1849, Gen. Zachary Taylor, then on his way to Washington to be inaugurated as Pres- 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY, 7 

ident of the United States, visited Frankfort. He was received with distinguished consid- 
eration by the Governor and Legislature, and with great enthusiasm by the citizens of 
Franklin ; but his principal object in visiting Frankfort was to take another look at the old 
school-house where he received his education, and to thank his old teacher, Kean O'Hara, 
who was still living at Frankfort. 

The Farmers' Bank of Kentucky was established February 15, 1850. 

The State Military Monument, in the Frankfort Cemetery, was erected on the 25th of 
June, 1850. 

The third Constitution of Kentucky was adopted by a convention held at the Capital on 
the nth day of June, 1850 

In 185 1 the railroad between Louisville and Frankfort was completed, and the suspension 
bridge over the Kentucky river at Frankfort was erected. 

The Capital Hotel was first opened to the public on the first of December, 1854. 

The Asylum for Feeble-minded Children, on the hill east of Frankfort, was erected in 
1S60. The Second State Agricultural Society was organized at Frankfort in 1856, with 
Brutus J. Clay, President, Robert W. Scott, Corresponding Secretary, and Wm. Mitchell, 
Treasurer. Franklin county was well represented in both armies in the late war. A great 
many of her citizens went off to other places of enlistment on the Union side early in 1861, 
while those who joined the Confederate Army, went singly or in small parties to camps in 
Tennessee. Ca]itains Daniel Garrard, Robt. B. Taylor, Jackson, and Estep, raised a com- 
pany of infantry each in Franklin, and Capt. James R. Page a company of cavalry, all for 
the Union army. While Captains Ben. Monroe, Wm. C. Actons, each raised a company 
of infantry, and Capt. Alex. Grant, a company of cavalry, for the Confederate Army. 

In the fall of 1862, the Confederate General Bragg took possession of Frankfort and 
inaugurated Hon. Richard Hawes Provisional Governor of Kentucky, 

Hon. John J. Crittenden, one of America's greatest statesmen, and Franklin county's 
most distinguished citizen, died on the 26th of July, 1863. 

On tke loth and nth of June, 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Pryor's Confederate cavalry 
fpart of Morgan's) made two unsuccessful assaults upon Frankfort and the fort, which was 
d. -fended by Col. Geo. W. Monroe, with 250 regular troops and militia. 

S. Thomas Hunt, a young lawyer from Maysville, Kentucky (captured on his way to the 
Confederate army), Thos. Lafferty, a political prisoner, and two others (names not ascer- 
tained), were taken by a military escort from the Lexington jail to Maj. Hunt's pasture in 
South Frankfort, and shot, in obedience to Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge's order that for 
every Union man killed by guerrillas, four guerrillas must be publicly shot on the spot. 
Robert Graham had been killed near Peak's Mill. 

In 1870, October 3d, a large portion of Frankfort was destroyed by fire. 

The foregoing is a brief sketch of some of the most important events that have happened 
in Franklin county since its settlement by the Anglo-Saxon race. Comparatively little of 
her land is not susceptible of cultivation. The crops raised for exports are : Corn, wheat, 
rye, barley, hemp, tobacco, &c. Much attention is paid to the raising of fine blooded 
stock and to horses, mules, cattle, sheep, Angora goats, and hogs for market. 

The manufacture of whisky, beer, lumber, cotton yarns, hemp-bagging, furniture, barrels, 
paper, and flour, &c., is carried on very extensively in this county. 

The population of Franklin county was 5,078 in 1800 ; 8,013 in 1810; 11,024 ^^ 1820 ; 
9,254 in 1830; 9,420 in 1840; 12,462 in 1850; 12,694 in i860; and 15,300 in 1870. 

The population of Frankfort was 628 in 1800 ; 1,099 in 1810; 1,617 in 1820; 1,987 in 
1830; 1,917 in 1840; 3,308 in 1850; 3,702 in i860; and 5,396 in 1870. 

There were 1,692 white males over 21 years of age in Franklin county in 1846, and 2,080 
in 1870. There were 2,819 children between the ages of six and twenty in 1870. 

Franklin's tobacco crop in 1870 was 304,455 pounds; hemp, 193,200 pounds; hay, 
.1,203 tons; corn, 450,550 bushels; wheat, 31,388 bushels; barley, 259 bushels; horses, 
3,633 ; mules, 518 ; cattle, 4,303 ; hogs over six months old, 4,566. 

The value of taxable property in the county in 1846 was $4,004,223, and in 1870, 
$4,923,176. 

The average price of land per acre in 1846 was $11 40, and in 1870, S20 47. 

Several small streams of chalybeate water show themselves about Frankfort. Scanlan's 
Spring, at the Kentucky Military Institute, was long a place of summer resort for invalids ; 
valuable medical salts have been made from the water. Faught's old Sulphur Spring, on 



8 ■ A SHORT HISTORY OF 

lienson creek, not far from the railroad, was fijrmerly much resorted to. A small but never 
failing stream gf black sulphur water rises from a bottom on Flat Creek. 

Magnesian water and a reservoir of inflammable gas were reached by deep boring at 
Stedman's Mills on Main Elkhorn creek. All the wells in the valley at I'rankfort have a 
mineral flavor. 

Small veins of lead, imbedded in limestone, have been founii in the bed of Fat Creek ; 
also on the banks of North Elkhorn ; a considerable quantity of fine lead ore was obtained 
in 1867. A grey limestone, frost and hre proof, and excellent for building purposes, is 
found on the railroad five miles east of Frankfort. 

The Kentucky river marble is a most beautiful building mateiial. It is a peculiar 
smooth-textured, dove-colored limestone, with disseminated specks and veins of wliite cal- 
careous spar, and by some is termed a birds'-cye lime.itone. The principal beds are 
twenty feet above low water in the river, where the marble is from eight to twelve inches 
thick, and thirty-four feet higher up it ranges from eight to eighteen inches. 

The county of Franklin has always enjoyed the best educational advantages. Among 
the celebrated schools were Rev. Phillip Fall's Female Seminary, located two and one half 
miles northeast of Frankfort, Mr. Kean O'Hara's and Mr. B. IJ. Sayre's High Schools for 
young men, and Rev. John R. Hendrick's High School for young ladies, all situated in 
Frankfort ; ^ilso the Kentucky Military Institute, located six miles south of Frankfort. At 
the present day Franklin has three high schools, besides the Kenm.cky Military In^titvite; 
and the Frankfort Public School is one of the finest in Kentucky. 

DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS. 

A history of the county would be incomplete without allusion to some of its distinguished 
citizens, many of whom have been intimately connected with the history of the Slate, and 
more than one becomes eminent in the histoiy of our country. 

The seat of government of the State being at Frankfort, all of the Governors, State 
officers, and Judges of the Court of Appeals, have resided here during their several terms 
of office, and many of them have, at the end of their term, continued their residence here. 
The holding of the sessions of the Court of Appeals at this place attractetl many of the 
ablest lawyers of the State to the Franklin county bar. 

The limit of this short notice will not allow space to name all, by any means, who are 
deserving of meniion ; but the following contains tire names of those who were jnomi- 
nently connected with the history of the county prior to the late civil war. 

Harry Innis, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the District of Kentucky from 
17S4 to 1785, and Judge of the United States Court for the district of Kentucky from 
1787 to 1S16. 

John Brown, twice a Representative and three times a Senator in the Congress of the 
United States. 

Thomas Todd, after holding many minor offices of trust, was Judge of the Court of Ap- 
peals of Kentucky in 1801 and Chief Justice in 1806 and Judge ol the Supreme Court of 
the United States from 1S07 to 1S26. 

Harry Toulmin was Secretary of the Slate of Kentucky from 1796 to 1804 under Gov. 
Garrard. 

Isham Talbott, member of the Kentucky Senate from 1S12 to 1S15, and Senator in Con- 
gress of the United States from 1815 to 1825. 

Geo. Madison was State Auditor from 1796 to 1816 and Governor of Kentucky in 1816. 

Geo. M. Bibb was Judge of the Court of Appeals of Kentucky in 1S08 ; Chief Justice 
in 1809. Chief Justice again in 1827 ; twice Senator in thejCongress of the United States 
from iSil to 1814, and from 1S29 to 1835 ; Chancellor of .the Louisville Chancery Court 
from 1835 to 1844, ^'^''"■1 United States Secretary of Treasury under President Taylor ini844-'5. 

Humphrey .\Iarshall, sr , United States Senator from 1795 to 1801 ; member of the 
Kentucky Legislature from Franklin county from 1808 to 1S09, and author of Marshall's 
History of Kentucky. 

William Littell, Reporter of the Court of Appeals and compiler of the Statute Laws of 
Kentucky. 

Martin D. Hardin, major in the war of 1812; Secretary of State under Gov. Shelby 
from 1S12 to 1816, and United States Senator from 1816 to 1S17. 

John I. Marshall, Representative of Franklin county in the Kentucky Legislature in 
1815 ; State Senator frdm 1820 to 1824, and Court of Appeals Reporter from 1829 to 1832. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, K.Y. • g 

Charles S. Todd, Colonel on the staff of Gen. Harrison in the war of j8i2 ; Secretary of 
State under Gov. Madison in 1816; Representative of Franklin county in the Kentucky 
Legislature in 1817, and Agent of the United .States to Columbia. 

Benjamin Mills, Judge of the Court of Appeals of Kentucky from 1820 to 1S2S. 

Solomon P. Sharp, Representative in the Congress of the United Stales from 1813 to 
1S17, and Attorney General of Kentucky from 1823 to 1827. 

James T. Morehead, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky ironi 1832 to 1834; Govern ir 
from 1834101836; Representative from Franklin county in liie Kentucky Legislatuie in 
1837 ; and United States Senator from 1841 to 1847. 

John J. Crittenden, Representative from Logan county in the Kentucky Legislature for 
six successive sessions; Speaker of the House of Representatives of Kentucky; elected to 
United States Senate; resigned in 1819, and removed to Frankfort ; represented Franklin 
county in the Kentucky Legislature from 1825 to 1831 ; Sjieaker of the house again in 
i83i--'S; United States Senator again from 1835 to 1841 ; Attorney (General under President 
Harrison; again U. S. Senator from 1842 to 1848; Governor of Kentucky from 184810 
1850; again Attorney General under President Filmoj-e from 185011) 1853; United States 
Senator for the fourth time frora 1855 to 1S61 ; and Repiesentative in Congress from 1S61 
to 1863, the time of his death. 

Thomas B. Monroe, Reporter of the Court of Appeals from 1S24 to 1S28 ; Unitetl State; 
District Attorney, and Judge of -the United States Court for the district of Kentucky Irom 
1835 to 1861. 

Charles S. Morehead, Representative in the Kentucky Legislature from Nelson county 
from 1827 to 1831 ; one of the compilers of'Morehead & Brown's Statute Laws of Ken- 
lucky ; Attorney General of Kentucky from 1832 to 1837; Representative of Franklin 
county in the Kentucky Legislature from 1838 to 1844 ; three times Sjjeaker of the House ; 
Representative in Congress of the United States from 1847 to 'S51 ; and Governor of 
Kentucky from 1855 to 1859. 

Mason Brown, one of the compilers of Morehead & Brown's Statute Laws of Kentucky ; 
circuit judge from 1839 to 1848, and Secretary of State under Governor M<jrehead from 
1855 to 1859. 

James Harlan, Representative in Congress of Uniteil S'ates from 1S35 to 1S39 ; Secre- 
tary of State under Governor Letcher from 1840 to 1844; Attorney General of Kentucky 
from 184910 1856; one of the authors of Monroe & Harlan's Digest of Kentucky Decis- 
ions ; and one of the revisers of the Kentucky Code of I'ractice. 

Owen G. Gates, Attorney General of Kentucky fr(jm 1S38 to 1848. 

William D. Reed, Representative of Franklin county in the Kentucky Legislature in 
1846, and Secretary of State under Governor Owsley from 1847 to 1848. 

Ben Monroe, Reporter of the Court of Appeals from 1840 to 1858, and one of the 
authors of Monroe & Harlan's Digest of Kentucky Decisions. 

Jacob Swigert, Clerk of the,Court of Appeals from 1826 to 1858-, and afterwards Judge 
of the Franklin County Court. 

Alex. PL Rennick, an officer in the war of 181 2, and county clerk of Franklin county 
for half a century. 

Gov. Robt. P. Letcher was a citizen of Franklin county from 1840 till his death, wliich 
occurred on January 24, 1861. 

Among others who have been closely identified with the business interests of Franklin 
may be mentioned Achilles Sneed, Frank Blair,. John M. Scott, John Harvie, Amos Ken- 
dall, Plarrison Blanton, J. H. Hannah, Jeptha Dudley, Gen. Peter Dudley, Thomas 
S. Theobald, Orlando Brown, E. LL Taylor, A. W. Dudley, Phillip Swigert, A. G. Hodges. 

The following list is incomplete, but as far as it goes it shows that Franklin county has 
furnished many distinguished and faithful public servants. 

UNITED STATES SENATE. 

John Brown, from Kentucky, l792-'5. Jas. Brown, from Louisiana, i8l2-'i7; i8i9-'24. 
Humphrey Marshall, from Kentucky, 1795 to 1801. George M. Bibb, from Kentucky, 
l8ii-'l4; l829-'35. Isham Talbott, from Kentucky. 181 5-' 19; i820-'5. Martin D. Hardin, 
from K(?ntucky, i8i6-'i7. John J. Crittenden fiom Kentucky, i8i7-'i9; i835-'4i-'42-'48 
-'55-'6i. James T, Morehead, from Kentucky, i84i-'47. B. Gratz Brown, from Mis- 
souri, i86o-'67. Frank P. Blair from Missouri, 1871- yj. 



lO A SHORT II.'STOKY OF 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Chrislopher Gre-iuip, i792-'7. Solomon P.Sharp, i8i3'-i7. Jnmes Harlan, 1835-9. 
Charles S. Moreheail, i847-'5i. Humphrey Marshall, i849-'53; i857-'9. John J. Crit- 
tenden, i86i-'3. C.Yvan Clay Sniitli. i8b3-'6. 

FOREIGN MINISTERS. 

Charles S. Todd, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipiotentiary to Russia i84r-'5. 
Robert P. Letcher, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Mexico 1849. 
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS U. S. GOVERN.MENT. 

Amos Kendall, Postmaster (ieneral, i8j,-'40. Robert Johnson, Assistant Postmaster 
General. J(din J. Crittenden, Attorney G'Mieral, from 1841 to i850-'3. Geo. M. IJibb, 
Secretary of the Treasury, iS44-'5. Mniui.: 'Uiery Blair, Postmaster General, i86i-'5. 

JUDf;E OF U S SUPREME COURT. 

Thomas Todd, 1809. 

• (;o\ i;knors. 

George Madison, Governor of Kentucky. 1S16. James T. Morehead, Governor of Ken- 
tucky, i834-'6. John J. Crittenden. Ciovmorof Kentucky, !S4S-'5o. Charles S. More- 
head, Governor of Kentucky, l855-'9. ': Giatz Brown, Governor of Mi.ssouri, i870-'4. 
Jos. M. White, Governor of Horida. 

lieuten.xn'p governor. 

James T. Morehead, of Kentucky, 1832 -'34. 

JUDGES OF COURT OF APPEALS. 
Harry Innis, Chief [ustice, 1792. Thomas Todd, Chief Justice, 1806. Geo. .VI. Bibb. 
Chief Justice, 1809. Alvin Duvall, Chief Justice. l862-'4. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KENTUCKY, 
Geo. M. Bibb, i8l6-'23. Solomon P. Sharp. i823-'7. Charles S. Morehead, i832-'8. 
Owen G. Gates, i838-'48. James Harlan, i84y-'59. A. J. James, i859-'63. John M. 
Harlan, i863-'7. John Rodman, i867-'75. 

SECRETARY OF STATE OF KENTUCKY 
James Brown, Secretary to first Governor, Shelby, l792-'96. Harry Toulmin, Secretary 
to second Governor, Garrard 1797-1804. Martin D. Hardin, Secretary to sixth Governor, 
Shelby, i8i2-'i6. Charles S. Todd, Secretary to seventh Governor, Madison, i8i6-'20. 
Thomas B. Monroe, Secretary to eighth Governor, Adair, 1820-4. Lewis Sanders, Secre- 
tary to eleventh Governor, Breathitt, l832-'4. John J; Crittenden, Secretary to twelfth 
Governor, Morehead. i834-'5. Austin P. Cox, Secretary to twelfth Governor, Morehead, 
l835-'6. James Harlan, Secretary to thirteenth Governor, Letcher, i840-'4. Wm. D. 
Reed, Secretary to fourteenth Governor, Owsley, i844--'8. Mason Brown, Secretary to 
seventeenth Governor, Morehead, i855-'9. Thomas B. Monroe, jr., Secretary to eight- 
eenth Governor, Magoffin, i859-'63. Samuel B. Churchill, Secretary to twentieth Gov- 
ernor, Stevenson, i867~'7i. A. J. James, Secretary to twenty-first Gov rnor, Leslie, 
l872-'3. Geo. W. Craddock, Secretary to twenty-first Governor, Leslie, l873-'5. J. 
Stoddard Johnston Secretary to twenty-second Governor, McCreary, 1875. 
AUDITOR OF STAIE OF KENTUCKY. 
George Madison, 1796-1818. Thos. S. Page, iSsi-'sg. Grant Green, 1859-63; W. 
Y gamuels from i863-'67. D. Howard Smitu. i867"'79. 

TREASURER OF STATE OF KENTUCKY. 
James H. Garrard, i857"'65. Thomas L. Crittenden, i866"'7. James W. Tate, 1868-^76. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
Benjamin B. Smith, i840"'2. H. A. M. Henderson, l87l"'5. 
HIGH MILITARY OFFICERS U. S. 

Francis P. Blair, Major General U. S. Vol., Mo., i863"'5. Thomas L. Crittenden 
General U. S. Vol., Ky., i862"'5. Wm. P. Sanders, Brigadier General U. S. Vol., Ky., 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY. 11 

fS6y-'S- ^- ^^ ■ Lintlsey, Adjutant General U. S. Vol., Ky., l864--'7. Geo. \V. Monroe, 
(Quarter-master General U. S. Vol., Ky., l866, 1867. 

HIGH MILITARY OFFICERS C. S. 

Geo. 15. Crittenden, Majojr General C. S. Vol., Ky. i862--'5. Daniel Adams, Brigadier 
General C S. Vol., Ky., i862--'5. Thomas H. Taylor, Brigadier General C. S. Vol., Ky. 
i862-'5. 
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE FROM FRANKLIX COUNTY— SENATE. 

Bennett Pemberton, i8oo--'3; i8o3--'7. Jno. Allen. i8o7--'io. Isham Talbott, i8i2--'i4. 
Richard Taylor. iSi4-'l8. John J. Marshall, l820-'24. Jeptha Dudley, i824-'8. Benj. 
15. Johnson, i84i--'4. John W. Russell, i846-'5o. Thomas N. Lindsey, i85i--'3. 
J'hiliip Swigert, i865--'9. Wm. H. Sneed, i872--'3. Scott Brown, i873--'7. 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Bennett Pemberton, i796-'97-'98. Anthony Crockett, 1796-'^. Thomas Montague* 
1797. Wm. Murray. 1798. John Smith, 1799. 1801. Otto Beatty, 1800. Baker Ewing) 
1802. John Allen, i8o3-'4-'5-'6. Humphrey Marshall, i8o8-'9. Geo. Adams, i8io-'ii- 
'14. Martin D. Hardin, l8i2-'i8-'i9 John Arnold, 1813. John J. Marshall, 1815, 1816, 
'^^. Philip White, 1816. Geo. M. Bibh, 1S17. Charles S. Todd, i8i7-'i8. Jas. Mc- 
Brayer. Wm. Hunter, 1824. Lewis Sanders, jr., i825-'6-'7-'8. John J. Crittenden, 
i825-'29-'30-'3i-'32. David White, 1826. James I^owning, 1827 Jamison Samuel, 1834. 
John llarvie, 1835. Dandridge S. Crockett, 1836. James T. Morehead, 1837. Charles 
S. Morehead, i838-'9-'40-'4i-'2-'4-'53-'5. James Milan, 1843. James Harlan, 1845. Wm. 
L. Reed, 1846. Landon A. Thomas, 1847. John A. Holton, 1848. James Monroe, 1849. 
I.ysander Ilord, 1850. Andrew Monroe, l85l-'3. John M. Hewitt, i855-'7. Thomas N. 
Lindsey, i837-'9. John Rodman, i859-'6i. R. C. Anderson, i86i-'63. II. M. Bedford, 
l863-'5. James Harlan, jr., i865-'7. S. I. M. Major, l867-'9. D. M. Bowen, 1869, 
1871. Harry 1. Todd, i87i-'3. Ben. F. Duvall, i873-"5. Qeorge W. Cradaock, i875-'7. 
From Franklin and Owen couniies — William Gerald, i8i9-'20-'22. John H. Todd, 1820. 
Edward George, 18^2. 

Frankfort, the Capital of the State of Kentucky, and scat of justice of Franklin county, 
is situated on both sides of the Kentucky river, and has a population of about six thou- 
sand. 

The town lies in a beautiful valley surrounded by high hills antl river bluffs. The 
buildings are mostly of brick and stone, and generally from two to three stories high. 
Tile Cai)ital Hotel is built of Kentucky marble, occupies nearly two acres of land, three 
stories high, and cost $120,000. The- State Capitol buildings. Penitentiary, Arsenal, the 
county pul)lic buildings are all very liandsonie structures. The Farmers' Bank is a mag- 
nificent illustration of the Kentucky marble as a building material. Frankfort has six 
churches (Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Reform or Chris- 
tian), besides two colored churches; also three banks, two steam printing establishments, 
three hotels. Odd Fellows' Hall, City Hall, twenty lawyers, twelve physicians, three high 
schools, and a splendid common school, two flouring mills, six saw-mills, a number of 
other manufactories and machine shops, and stores of all kinds. 

The other toM'ns in the county are Belle Point, Bridgeport, Forks of Elkhorn, and 
Peak's Mill. 

The cemetery at Frankfort is ornamented with many beautiful and costly monuments, 
erected by the State over the graves of her governors, statesmen, soldiers, &c. The State 
military monument stands on a little knoll about the center of the cemetery. This mon- 
ument is built of pure white marble on a gray granite base, and is about forty-five feet 
high. For beauty of design, and symmetry of form it is perhaps unsurpussed. 



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